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Close online tax loophole

According to a July 2013 study by Arthur B. Laffer and Donna Arduin, passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act would allow states to close the online sales tax loopholes, resulting in a larger tax base, lower taxes for all taxpayers, 1.5 million jobs in the next 10 years and an increase in the Gross Domestic Product of at least $560 billion.

NorthTown and Spokane Valley Malls contribute annually more than $31 million in property and sales taxes that pay for critical life-safety and other services. The malls employ approximately 4,000 people. Passage of the MFA allows bricks-and-mortar retailers to compete fairly with online retailers. Bricks-and-mortar retailers are the economic engine that drives the local economy.

The MFA passed the Senate in May 2013. It’s now in the House of Representatives. Passing the MFA is about enforcement of current tax law. Taxation should be fair, no matter where you shop.

Daryl Rheingans, Spokane Valley Mall

John Shasky, NorthTown Mall

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